This week at 148Apps.com was all about the red, white, and blue as we celebrated the 4th of July. Writer Lisa Caplan contributed to the festivities with her list of Favorite Four apps for Independence Day. She writes, “It’s July 4th, so we hope most Americans are out celebrating and reading this on an iPhone or iPad or between activities. But if you are still looking for apps to help make the day even better, we’ve rounded up four of our favorties that commemorate everything from US History to the traditional BBQ for you here.”

See Lisa’s complete list at 148Apps.com.

$4.99

Weber’s On the Grill™

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2009-07-12 :: Category:

$0.99

Presidents vs. Aliens™

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2011-06-22 :: Category: Education

GiggleApps stayed on a vacation theme with its review of Miny Moe Car. Reviewer Amy Solomon says, “Miny Moe Car is a charming and fun simulated driving app that toddlers and children in preschool will enjoy. I have always been a fan of this type of toy, both as an arcade game as well as a simple children’s plaything. I remember when my son was just a year old, I bought him the most realistic driver I could find – a toy he still enjoys today. A search on iTunes will find a few applications of this type that mostly show a POV from the driver’s seat of a car or other vehicle. This is also the case for this application which does a really nice job of recreating the driving experience for toddlers.”

Read Amy’s complete review on GiggleApps.com.

$1.99

Miny Moe Car

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2012-05-09 :: Category: Education

And finally at 148Apps.biz, Carter Dotson reported on a new study revealing the iPad as the number one gaming platform. Dotson writes, “Tablets and phones are vastly different devices. This seems obvious, but in reality, they really aren’t: the difference between the iPhone 4S and the iPad 2 is basically different sized screens. However, the way that users, especially gamers, use the two devices is still dramatically different, according to PlayFirst, via Pocket Gamer. Tablet users are playing more games than phone users are, and they’re spending more on games.”

Read the full report at 148Apps.biz.

That’s the end of this week’s happenings, but there’s always more news, reviews and contests headed your way across the 148Apps network. Just follow us on Twitter or Like us on Facebook to keep track of all the goings-on. Until next week, enjoy the fireworks!

Fans of enjoyable time management game Cooking Dash will have noticed, in recent times, the addition of the ‘HSN Cooks with Emeril’ venue, incorporating celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and HSN, the Home Shopping Network. Such an addition gave players special discounts on real-life Emeril kitchenware.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, such a promotion has gone one step further. By signing up from within the game, players can receive a free bread pudding recipe by Emeril Lagasse, as well as a coupon for 15% off their entire next purchase at HSN.com. Players can find the recipe inside the aforementioned ‘HSN Cooks with Emeril’ restaurant venue.

Cooking Dash, and its Deluxe sibling, is already a fantastic example of the time management genre, easily bringing countless hours of entertainment. The romantic touch makes it all the more worthwhile to give a play. It’s an ideal inclusion for such a cookery focused title.

Why not check it out now?

FREE!

Cooking Dash

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2009-09-15 :: Category: Games

$1.99

Cooking Dash Deluxe

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2009-08-06 :: Category: Games

Fans of games like Diner Dash and Parking Dash are familiar with the work of PlayFirst. With Cooking Dash they are looking to break out even further into the mainstream with the help of two powerful partners: celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and HSN. Those with the iPhone game can now access a free update with the new “HSN Cooks with Emeril” mode.

Cooking Dash has players controlling Flo as she takes on the hectic responsibilities of running a restaurant. As players progress they gain access to new, more challenging venues. One of the key features of this update is that it allows players, with Emeril’s help, to try running a restaurant featuring food from Mr. Lagasse himself. Also, all the equipment players will encounter is official Emerilware cooking supplies. By working with HSN, the game then allows players to purchase those very same supplies through PlayFirst’s new DashMart virtual store.

The update is currently live and in celebration, PlayFirst is offering Cooking Dash for $0.99 instead of its usual price of $2.99. Anyone who liked Cooking Dash but thought it needed more catchphrases like “bam” and whatnot might give “HSN Cooks with Emeril” a shot.

$1.99

Cooking Dash Deluxe

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2009-08-06 :: Category: Games